Bettoja Hotel Massimo D’Azeglio

Bettoja Massimo D’Azeglio Hotel is housed in an elegant white stone and salmon-colored building that began as a restaurant in 1875. It has hosted many famous people such as the King of Serbia, Benito Mussolini, Louis Armstrong, and Fausto Coppi. This restaurant-turned-hotel has a romantic fin de siècle ambiance in terms of decor, with original paintings and prints from the Risorgimento period in Italy (1860s). Atmospheric interiors, such as the lobby filled with antique wooden furniture, illustrate the historical nature and antique ambiance of this hotel. A large and airy sitting room is furnished with maroon couches, chairs, carpets, and curtains as well as decorative pieces covered in elegant floral designs and historic paintings. Guests include couples and families, though business travelers are well catered for with conference facilities as well. 

The hotel is conveniently located a block away from the Termini train station, which can take travelers all across Rome. The National Museum of Rome is a three-minute walk, however, other attractions are more easily reached by car or metro, which stops a block away and gives quick access to many top sights, such as the Colosseum (five minutes away) and the Piazza di Spagna (eight minutes away). Vatican City can be reached in about 35 minutes by public transportation. There are a variety of dining options on surrounding streets as well as shops and many other hotels. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport can be reached in about 35 minutes via a train that leaves from Termini station. 

There are three types of rooms: Single, Classic Double (two single beds), and Superior Double (a king-size bed). Decor is pleasant and rooms have an elegant flair that keeps with the late 1800s decor of the hotel, but they could use an update in terms of bedding and some pieces of furniture. High ceilings make the rooms feel spacious, while wood floors are complemented by either a green or red color scheme with patterned bedspreads and matching curtains. Amenities include air-conditioning, minibars, flat-screen TVs, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi, plus Superior Double Rooms add tea/coffee facilities. Guests should note that there have been complaints about the air-conditioning, such as the lack of being able to regulate it during warm months. Bathrooms have an updated look with tan marble walls and floors and are outfitted with shower/bath combos, bidets, hairdryers, and toiletries. Superior Double Room bathrooms offer quite a bit of counter space, though lower-grade rooms do not. Some guests have complained about the bathroom's old plumbing and fixtures causing issues. 

The hotel is most notable for its historical restaurant, Massimo d’Azeglio, that serves traditional Italian dishes, as well as its wine cellar, which is located in a cave in the basement and has over 30,000 bottles of wine. A free continental breakfast buffet is served in the breakfast room and includes cold cuts, pastries, cereal, and fruit, though guests have made complaints on the quality of the food. The bar serves tapas and drinks and room service is available, though it is limited and not available 24-hours. The hotel also offers conference facilities. Though there is no fitness center on-site, guests have access to two gyms in nearby hotels. Parking is available in a nearby garage for a fee, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. The hotel allows one child of up to 12 years old to stay for free.